It has been an incredible, magical year for Darren Hesom of Morden, who represents Minnewasta Golf & Country Club, and the dream season will continue as he’s earned the right to compete in the 2026 Sergio García Junior Championship from October 2nd to 4th at the Mediterráneo Golf Club in Borriol, Castellón, Spain.

Earning the trip

“I qualified for a tournament in Spain called the Sergio Garcia Junior Championship,” Hesom explains proudly. “Qualified through some good finishes on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour that has tournaments all over Canada and different provinces. I won two of those tournaments, which got me an invite to this tournament.”

He adds that this trip is kind of a bonus, and that he didn’t set out to make it, but he’s thrilled he did. “I just kind of found out about it,” he says with a grin. “I knew it was a tournament. I heard about it before, but I never really thought I’d be able to get there. Then this year, I got an email telling me I was qualified and got invited.”

Always improving

Being a part of Team Manitoba for the first time, Hesom says he’s noticed his game really reaching new levels. “This year has been quite successful,” the 16-year-old says with a humble smile. “Won two tournaments on the MJT, had quite a few top three finishes. Joining Team Manitoba was a great experience, just really telling me how much my game’s improved. This year, what I’ve mainly improved is my mental game. That goes a long way in golf, keeping your cool on the golf course. That really helps you stay in the round.”

Golf is a big mental sport, and as Hesom details, it’s something he’s taken big steps in understanding. “Just keeping it one shot at a time. Like you have a bad hole, just move on to the next hole, or you can always battle back. Like you’re never out of it.”

Homework time

Hesom chuckles and says he will be trying to do more on-course training than preparing ahead of time. “I haven’t looked over a layout, but it looks really nice. It means a lot going all the way to Spain, especially in a tournament associated with a professional golfer like Sergio Garcia. It’s a really unique opportunity, and really excited to head over there.”

“Right now I’m just working on my game,” the phenom continues. “Trying to make sure all the parts of it are good before I go. Then, really, once we get there, play the practice round, look over the whole course from tee to green, see where the best spots are and really prepare for the round.”

Dealing with pressure

As he continues to climb the ranks and make a name for himself, Hesom says that he understands the pressure that comes with expectations, and he’s going to embrace it. “Being put in the spotlight by people is something that you really feel, but you know, just trying to stay calm and focus on the game instead of thinking about everything else that’s going on around you, that’s really the best way to do it.”

He credits the people in his life with helping him stay level-headed and confident. “Family supporting, it goes beyond words,” he says proudly. “Bringing me to every tournament and following along, just always motivating me and my coach at Minnewasta, Matt Loewen, really helping me with my swing. My uncle Greg, who’s the head pro at Minnewasta, really just being by my side through all this support from them really means a lot.”

Golf Manitoba influence

Another big supporter has been Golf Manitoba, a program that continues to be on the rise around Canada, and Hesom says he owes a big thank you to them as well. “Golf Manitoba, they’re great with their athletes. Just being a part of that program gives you confidence, and being around the great, knowledgeable people there, like head coach Sean Murray, opens up a lot of opportunities. It’s just Golf Manitoba. It’s great.”

Game in a good place

When it comes to where his game is at heading into next week’s big tournament, Hesom says overall, he’s in a great, great place. “Right now, my game feels solid. We just had a high school tournament, and we qualified for provincials. My game off the tee feels really good right now. Keeping the ball in play, that’s really huge. Then everything from there.”

Classy, not flashy

Golf can produce some outrageous outfits, but Hesom says he won’t be rocking any brightly coloured patterns or checkered pants, he’ll be keeping it cool and classy. “MJT has provided us with four outfits for the week for the practice round and the three rounds of the tournament. They look really nice to wear, and representing Canada out all the way in Spain is just a huge honour, and I’m really excited to get over there and see what comes.”